Managing Ukraine's healthcare system in the context of full-scale war: challenges and adaptive solutions

Abstract

The article explores solutions for adapting Ukraine's healthcare sector to a full-scale war. Since the onset of Russia's armed aggression in 2022, the healthcare industry has confronted a series of systemic challenges. These include substantial infrastructure destruction, a considerable personnel exodus, disruption to logistics supply chains, and a precipitous escalation in demand for critical and specialized medical services. The ongoing crisis has given rise to a range of pressing issues, including humanitarian, epidemiological, and psychosocial challenges. This necessitates a prompt review of conventional management strategies.

 The primary threats are analyzed as follows: the physical destruction of healthcare facilities, the reduction of human resources, and changes in the population's needs. The article considers management decisions that could increase the system's sustainability, such as optimizing logistics, staffing, and infrastructure restoration, as well as developing rehabilitation and psychiatric care. The importance of digital transformation and expanding cooperation with international partners is emphasized.

The following text is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject. The formulation of scientifically based management recommendations constitutes a key element of the proposed strategy, with the introduction of a multi-level crisis response system being a central component.

 It is imperative to enhance the autonomy of medical institutions and facilitate the development of short-term educational programmes. These programmes are designed to train staff and establish reserves of medical resources in border and reoccupied regions. The study emphasises the importance of developing a psychosocial support system, especially for vulnerable groups, veterans and military personnel.

The study identified key governance gaps that have been exacerbated by the war, as well as examples of successful adaptation. The study also highlighted examples of successful adaptation that demonstrate the potential for transitioning to a sustainable, flexible and digitally-oriented healthcare model. This paves the way for the modernisation of the healthcare system in the context of prolonged instability and further post-war reconstruction.

The conclusions drawn from this study offer a practical value for strategic management, providing a foundation for decisions that enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability of the healthcare system. It is recommended that future research endeavors concentrate on the development of models of multi-level governance, the strengthening of interagency coordination, the enhancement of human resource capacity, and the ensuring of equal access to healthcare services in all regions.